Two wrecks minutes apart slowed traffic on U.S. 59 South near state Highway 185 around 4:15 p.m. Monday.

A maroon Ford F-150, driven by Martin Perez, 49, of Katy, was traveling north in the inside lane on U.S. 59 South beside an 18-wheeler, driven by Guillermo Nevarez-Marroquin, 42, of Brownsville. The two sideswiped each other for an unknown reason, causing the Ford F-150 to hit a bridge, Department of Public Safety Trooper Jesse Ray Chavana said.

The Ford F-150's passenger, Nellie Perez, 47, also of Katy, was taken to DeTar Hospital Navarro.

A hospital spokesperson said Nellie Perez was treated and released.

The cause of that wreck was still under investigation, and no citations have been issued, Chavana said.

Seconds later, a second crash occurred on the same stretch of road, said DPS Trooper Jay Schultz with the Commercial Motor Vehicle Enforcement team.